Messi's milestone goal not enough as Nashville earns late draw
Lionel Messi scored his 99th club goal for Inter Miami, but Sam Surridge's stoppage-time equalizer gave Nashville SC a 2-2 draw. Surridge scored twice, including a fourth-minute opener. Nashville extended its lead atop the Eastern Conference to nine points over Miami.
Messi's 99th club goal for Inter Miami came in a physical Eastern Conference clash, marking his 17th strike in 14 meetings with Nashville. Miami hit the woodwork three times, including a late chance from Rodrigo De Paul. The hosts have won only once in nine league games, and head coach Guillermo Hoyos is set to be replaced by Cristian "Kily" González once his visa clears.
Nashville's Sam Surridge scored twice, his 15th goal of the season, extending the club's Eastern Conference lead to nine points over Miami and eight over Vancouver in the Supporters' Shield race. Under B.J. Callaghan, who shifted from a defensive style after winning the 2025 U.S. Open Cup, Nashville looks like the league's top team. They host Chicago Fire on Sept. 19; Miami faces San Diego FC on Sept. 20.
This result could reshape perceptions of MLS competitiveness, showing that even a generational talent like Messi cannot guarantee victories against well-organized sides. Nashville's rise may attract broader national interest, as a balanced team challenges the star-driven narrative. For Miami fans, the draw may heighten anxiety over the coaching transition, while neutrals might see the league's parity as a selling point. The late drama could boost viewership for future matchups.